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Record Memorial Day Travel Launches the Beginning of a Sizzling Summer, Says AAA

16 May 1997

Record Memorial Day Travel Launches the Beginning of a Sizzling Summer, Says AAA

    SAN FRANCISCO, May 16 -- What are the coolest destinations
for the hot Memorial Day weekend?  Fun in the sun seems to be on everyone's
agenda.  Californians will be on the move to celebrate the official arrival of
summer.  In fact, of the record 30.8 million people estimated to travel
100 miles or more from home this holiday, 7.5 million Memorial Day travelers
will originate in the West.
    Disneyland is the most popular destination for AAA members planning a
holiday getaway by air, followed by Hawaii, Las Vegas, Cabo San Lucas, and
3 and 4 Day cruises.
    The top five destinations visited by car over the holiday weekend are:
Monterey, Disneyland, Lake Tahoe, Nevada and Yosemite.
    Yosemite Valley retains its spot as a favored vacation destination despite
a slight drop in visitation over last year.  This is due to the recent floods,
and the closure of some camp grounds, resulting in fewer accommodations.
However, for this time of year, the number of day use visitations is on
target.
    36 percent of Memorial Day vacationers plan to stay at a hotel/motel.
Friends and relatives will accommodate 35 percent of travelers.  Other
overnight plans include:  camper/trailer/RV/tent, 11 percent;
cabin/condo/vacation home, 9 percent; bed and breakfast, 2 percent; boat/ship,
1 percent; and other or undecided, 5 percent.
    California State Automobile Association (CSAA) is the AAA affiliate in
northern California, Nevada and Utah, serving 3.7 million members with an
array of automotive, travel, financial and insurance services.

SOURCE  California State Automobile Association